Written by

David Breland

American Staff Writer

On Monday afternoon, attorneys for Dave Ware and Johnny DuPree discussed the final instructions that would be read to the jury, clearing the way for closing arguments and ultimately a verdict.

Jury instructions define exactly what the jury will reach a verdict on. After about two hours of editing, the instructions were finalized and read to the jury over a period of an hour.

Tomorrow, jurors will hear closing arguments in the case when the court reconvenes at 9 a.m. Then, jurors will take up deliberations and consider who actually won the June 4 election.

Before proceeding with jury instructions, Judge William Coleman said the court was made aware of a person associated with the case speaking to two jurors at lunch. After jurors were excused, Forrest County Supervisor Rod Woullard was called before Coleman. Woullard indicated he did speak to the jurors, but only said hello. Ware attorneys were satisfied with Woullard’s account and had no objections.